MORE THAN A SPORT
Whether you’re the star of the team or the last
player off the bench, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about – or maybe even stewing over – your minutes on the court.
Here are a few thoughts on keeping playing time in perspective and some constructive suggestions on how to be ready to roll regardless of your role by Debbie Kniffi n
30 | VOLLEYBALLUSA • Digital Issue at
usavolleyball.org/mag
ALL TOGETHER NOW: The members of the U.S. Women’s National Team have learned to accept their roles while playing at the highest level. (Photo: FIVB)
Playing time, schmaying time T
o my knowledge, no one has ever actually uttered the words, “play- ing time, schmaying time.” I know I didn’t when I was sitting on the Iowa State University bench my senior year after starting as a
sophomore and junior. But whether you’re the go-to player in crunch time, a coach staring at a blank lineup sheet or the father of the last player on the bench, it’s a good idea to address a subject that everyone wrestles with regularly.
Playing time is not an easy topic. It involves the opinions, feelings and choices of imperfect people and holds incredible potential for bitterness, hurt and angst. But if starters, reserves, coaches and parents intentionally approach playing time and individual roles with a team-fi rst mindset and
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76